


The 

Other 

Alternative 




Gass f \ A ^ 

Book S C:> K C? . 



•ECON ) r;of»Y, 



'■ JU12818W 



■^^A 



THE OTHER ALTERNATIVE 



COPYRIGHTED, 1 899 BY W. J. ROBINSON 



two eopips RijceiveB, 






JUL 13 1899 }^ 






38795 



A NEW VIEW 

THE congested conditions in New York City to-day, due 
largely to the circumscribed limits of the city proper ; 
the large increase in residential population, and the 
inroads of business on residential property, has resulted in an 
exodus of the better middle classes out of New York City into 
the suburbs within easy reach of the business centers. This 
exodus has been going on for years, and one by one the healthy, 
delightful suburbs, with adequate transportation facilities, have 
been rapidly filled to overflowing, and property has increased in 
value to such an extent that the possibilities of securing a home 
in any of these well-known suburbs is far beyond the reach of 
the average business man. There can be no limit placed on the 
probable increase in population in New York, but the limit has 
almost been reached in the available suburbs within the hour's 
ride of New York's busiest centers. 

Certain natural laws control real estate investment, which 
are as fundamental as the law of gravity. These laws discerned 
and brought into operation, make real estate investment abso- 
lutely secure. 

Law I. There can be no possible increase in the value of 
residence or business property anywhere, without proportionate 
increase in population. The limit of increase governed by the 
desirable or objectionable character of the population or business. 
Law 2. There can be no increase in population in any 
property, near any large city, where desirable residential location 
is the main incentive, unless there are proper transportation 
facilities, equal or superior to the transportation, in point of com- 
fort and time, to those offered by the city itself within its best 
residential sections. 

3 



Law 3. The magnetism of a crowd is exceptionally potential. 
Wherever transportation lines are, there the crowd will follow. 
Wherever the crowd is, the transportation lines will follow. Ever}'- 
where, under all circumstances, a crowd draws a crowd. 

Middlebrook Heights, at Bound Brook, (a remarkable illus- 
tration of the operation of these laws) owned by men of wealth 
and position, has been held for years looking toward the present 
unprecedented demand for high-class property. All the improve- 
ments have been pushed rapidly, and plans are now being drawn 
for a large number of high-class homes. 

The lots average 100 feet front by 162 feet deep. Only 
one house can be built to a lot. 

No house costing less than $5,000 can be built on any of 
the main drives, and only the best class of residents are sought 
for or desired. 

The Club feature enhances its social advantages. The golf, 
and tennis clubs, together with other recreative features, give to 
the family, accustomed to city residence, a taste of life and vigor 
healthful and new. Boating on the Raritan, fishing in the streams 
and river, are among the possibilities of life, within 47 minutes' 
ride of New York Cit>^ undreamt of heretofore. The universal 
verdict of some of the most conservative business men and 
bankers, who know the property and the high ideals of the men 
who are interested, is that within ten years the Middlebrook 
Country Club property will be the most valuable high class resi- 
dence property anywhere within the hour limit of New York City. 

BOUND BROOK 

BOUND BROOK is located on the Raritan river, less than 
one hour from New York, situated on a rolling plain, 
with a gravel soil substratum, ensuring healthful condi- 
tions. The ground rises toward the north to the Watchung 
mountain range, attaining an altitude of 500 feet. 



The town, with a population of about 4,200, is under a bor- 
ough government. There is a good water supply provided by a 
private company that will extend its service in any direction. 
The borough owns a complete sewerage system. The tax rate 
for the borough is $1.75 for each $100 assessed value, and for 
the township of Bridgewater in which the borough lies, $1.40 per 
$100. Churches of all denominations, electric-lighted macadam 
streets, paved sidewalks and public schools make up the usual 
advanced suburban town. The cost of living is notably lower 
than in other suburbs adjacent to New York. 

Bound Brook is reached by the Central R. R. of N. J., foot 
of Liberty street, New York ; and the Lehigh Valley R. R., foot 
of Cortlandt street, or Desbrosses street, New York, by 43 trains 
each way, daily, and 2 1 trains on Sunday. The Royal Blue Line 
of the Baltimore & Ohio R. R. and the Philadelphia trains of 
the Philadelphia & Reading R. R. make their first stop from New 
York at Bound Brook. The running time varies from 47 to 55 
minutes on express trains. Single fare, 80 cents ; excursion, 
$1.30; fifty trips, $24.25; monthly commutation, $7.92 ; distance, 
31 miles. 

BOUND BROOK AS A 
HEALTH RESORT 

WE learn this from figures furnished by the New Jersey 
State Bureau of Vital Statistics. Its death-rate is the 
lowest, with one exception, in the entire state ; Bound 
Brook being only second to Long Branch in that respect. 

We give below the per cent, of mortality at the healthiest 
points in the state : 

Burlington 25 deaths per 1000 inhabitants. 

Jersey City 25 " 1000 " 

Hoboken, 24 " 1000 " 

5 



Camden, 23 deaths 

Newark 22 

Bayonne, 20 

Paterson, 20 

Passaic 20 

Morristown, 19 

Elizabeth 19 

Orange, 19 

New Brunswick 18 

Perth Amboy 18 

Plainfield, 17 

Bridgeton, 16 

Bound Brook, 13 



per 1000 inhabitants. 
1000 
1000 
1000 
1000 
1000 
1000 
1000 
1000 
1000 
1000 
1000 
1000 



SOMERSET COUNTY IS EX- 
CEPTIONALLY HEALTHFUL 



T 



HE following figures are furnished by the New Jersey 
State Board of Vital Statistics : 

Mortality Table showing Mortality Kate. 
Hudson County 24.47 P^"" 1000 inhabitants. 



Essex 

Passaic 

Mercer 

Middlesex 

Somerset 



21.40 

19-40 

16.52 

16.48 

(Middlebrook Heights), 14.60 



1000 
1000 
1000 
1000 
1000 



w 



A 



T 



E 



R 



MIDDLEBROOK HEIGHTS is supplied with artesian 
water from deep wells driven at the base of the moun- 
tain, and pumped by powerful engines to a massive 
stand-pipe erected on the highest point of the mountain range, 
and standing over 500 feet above sea level. 

6 



The town of Bound Brook is now being supplied with water 
from this source, which experts pronounce the finest and purest 
in the state. 



TROLLEY 

THE proposed Chimney Rock Trolley, connecting the New 
Jersey Central R. R. at Bound Brook station with this 
famous picnic resort, will traverse the entire length of 
Middlebrook Heights, and this will at once solve the question 
of easy access to the depot for those wishing to go back and 
forth to the city, daily. 

The lower end of this property is but six minutes' walk 
from the depots, while the most distant point is but little more 
than a mile. 

Arrangements are just being completed for the purchase of 
several automobiles, or horseless carriages, which will meet all 
trains and run between the stations and the Club House. 



B A N K I N 

THE Knickerbocker Mortgage Company has perfected 
arrangements by which satisfactory parties desiring to 
build residences at Middlebrook, may borrow the money 
for that purpose, repaying the same in fixed monthly installments 
in a definite term of years and at a rate not exceeding six per 
cent, per annum for deferred payments. Or will build to order 
on any approved plan a handsome home at lowest contract 
rates, taking entire supervision of construction and allowing the 
customer to pay for it on the basis of a fair rental. Thus rent 
money becomes purchase money. 



POINTS TO REMEMBER 

MIDDLEBROOK HEIGHTS is a mountain point at 
Bound Brook. 

It is less than one hour from New York, and is 
about forty minutes from Newark. 

It has four trunk lines of railroad from New York and two 
from Newark. 

Bound Brook is the second healthiest town in the state ; 
second only to Long Branch. 

Somerset county, in which Middlebrook Heights is situated, 
is the healthiest county in the state. 

Every stone in Bound Brook and Middlebrook Heights 
marks a historic spot. 

Bound Brook's " Raritan shad" is world famous. 

The flowers, ferns and grasses on this mountain range sur- 
pass in variety and beauty those in any other locality in the state. 

The mountain range on which Middlebrook Heights is situ- 
ated, parallels the sea coast. It enjoys the benefit of unceasing 
breezes from the sea during the summer and is protected from 
the cold winds of the north and west in winter. It is exception- 
ally cool in summer and mild in winter. 

One million baskets of peaches were picked last year, from 
the orchards of Somerset and Middlesex counties, the greater 
portion of which area, with its wealth of fruitage, can be seen 
from every mountain lot on Middlebrook Heights. Other fruits 
are in marvelous abundance. 

From Middlebrook Heights is displayed the Raritan valley 
in all its panoramic beauty. In this valley for over fifty miles 
the eye discerns a wonderful landscape, in the highest state of 
cultivation, dotted by scores of towns and villages. Beautiful 
villas and country seats can be seen in wonderful numbers. 

In the opposite direction, Washington valley with its moun- 



tain gorge approach, and its wild and rugged scenery, furnishes 
a strange and delightful contrast to the highly developed Raritan 
valley. 

This beautiful mountain scenery lies midway between the 
Raritan and Washington valleys, commanding a wide and extended 
view of each, with their varied landscape, silver-streaked with wind- 
ing streams, dotted with fields of waving grain and orchards, inter- 
spersed with towns and cities, presenting a scene of marvelous 
beauty to the eye, excelling in altitude and surpassing in natural 
beauty the Oranges, Summit and Montclair. It has also the 
same sanitary soil formation that has made Bernardsville, ten 
miles away, on the same mountain range, famous as the "Lenox 
of New Jersey." 

A model Country Club forms an attractive social center, 
affording ample facilities for all games and sports, and having 
one of the finest golf courses in the State. 

MEMORIAL TOWER 

THIS is designed to be built around the water tower 
standing on Washington's rock on the crest of the 
mountain where it will be a landmark for the country 
around. 

The Washington Camp Ground Association, of Bound Brook, 
which has been so successful in keeping alive the patriotic 
memories which cluster about Middlebrook Heights, has a res- 
ervation of about five acres on the site of the old camp, where 
on Independence Day, patriotic gatherings are held with interest- 
ing ceremonies. Through the efforts of this society all of the 
local revolutionary traditions are recorded and from their various 
publications may be gleaned all the local revolutionary history. 
Eventually we may expect to see an auditorium and other suit- 
able buildings to mark this historic spot and perpetuate its 
memories. 



HISTORIC GROUND 

GENERAL WASHINGTON showed excellent judgment 
in making his longest camp on the south slope of the 
Watchung mountain. From the crest of the mountain, 
on the true Washington rock, he could watch all the movements 
of the enemy at New Brunswick. The same inducements of 
location which brought the revolutionary army here to recuperate 
and prepare for the final struggle for American independence 
make the site of the old camp, now the property of the Knicker- 
bocker Mortgage Company, a choice residential property. 

The map on page 15 shows the location of the property 
with reference to Bound Brook. From the entrance, inside of 
the borough line, the ground gradually rises to the summit of 
the Watchung mountain. The property covers about 150 acres 
on the mountain slope, running over the crest which has an 
elevation of 481 feet, with 75 acres of rolling land, making 225 
acres in all. The view from all parts of the property is exceed- 
ingly attractive. From the slope and summit the view is a pano- 
rama, with the Raritan river winding through the foreground and 
extending to the Highlands of the Navesink on the Atlantic. 
The property is wooded with fine trees, and care will be taken 
to leave as many intact as may be possible without obstructing 
the view from each lot. 

The situation is not alone fine in outlook. At this point the 
mountain range runs nearly east and west, so that every house 
may have a southern exposure with a free sweep for cool sum- 
mer breezes, and thorough protection from the chill northwest 
blasts of winter. An ideal exposure for an all-the-year-round 
residence. 

All lots have 100 feet frontage, with the exception of a few 
which are 50 feet front. The depth varies from 125 to 350 feet. 



The deeds all contain the usual restrictions limiting the property 
to residential purposes only. 

A contract has just been made with a builder of the highest 
reputation for the erection of twenty-five handsome residences, 
costing $5,000 each, each house plan having been drawn with 
special reference to its location on the property and to the con- 
veniences which make suburban life a luxury. 



BATTLE OF BOUND BROOK 

A SIMPLE monument marks the spot where 4,000 British 
troops, under Lord Cornwallis, surprised and attacked 
500 Americans, under command of General Lincoln, 
whose headquarters still stand on the opposite side of the street. 
The Americans lost from 60 to 100 men and finally escaped to 
the mountains. The British troops returned to their headquar- 
ters at New Brunswick after destroying some stores, and the 
Americans came back to guard against supplies being sent to 
New Brunswick by way of the Raritan river. The date of this 
engagement was April 13th, 1777. 



BANK AND COMMERCIAL 
REFERENCES 

National Park Bank, New York ; 

Western National Bank, New York; 

Charles Frazier & Company, Bankers, New York ; 

Trenton Trust & Safe Deposit Company, Trenton, New Jersey ; 

First National Bank, Bound Brook, New Jersey ; 

R. G. Dun & Co.'s Commercial Agency ; 

Bradstreef s Commercial Agency. 



NATURE'S ENDOWMENT 




MAP OF THE PROPERTY OF 

THE 

KNICKERBOCKER MORTGAGE COMPANY 




MEMORIAL TOWER, 

TO BE BUILT AROUND THE WATER TOWER. 




THE B A 1 1 1. ]■: M O N U M E N T 




LOOKING WEbT. 




LOOKING SOUTH. 




TOWARD T H K OCEAN. 




A V A L 1. E V VISTA. 




4 5 - ^^ 1 ■• K v i k w , 




r H K R A R 1 r A N V A L I. E V 




A GLIMPSE OF WOODLAND. 




IN THE VALLEY. 







>4^^i 






"*v»' 





^v V'^n, 



^■^^^^ 




A BIT OF NATURE. 




THE OLD LATOURETTE HOUSE. 



' . ^.'M'^' 



.^tu^:^!^^ 



THE IMPROVEMENT CORPS. 




FROM MOUNTAIN PEAK. 




C K D A R V 1 E V\ 



WHAT OTHER PEOPLE THINK 



HUGH H. HAMILI^, BARKER GUMMERE, JR.. "WILLIAM: G. MOORE. 

PHKSIOENT. TKEASUHBH. CASHIER. 

The Trenton Trust and Safe Deposit 

Company, 

36 AND 28 West State Street, 
TRENTON, N. J. 



To William J. Robinson, Esq., 

New York City. 
My Dear Sir : 

In answer to yours, inquiring as to the Knickerbocker Mortgage Company, 
which has its main office in the City of New York, I take pleasure in saying 
that this Company is under the management of Mr. George La Monte, who is 
the President of the Company, and is also the President of the First National 
Bank of Bound Brook, New Jersey, as well as the proprietor of the National 
Safety Paper Company. Mr. La Monte is widely known, highly esteemed, has 
the reputation of being a man of wealth, and is of unquestioned integrity. 

Mr. Charles Howell Cook, the Treasurer of the Knickerbocker Mortgage 
Company, is also the President and General Manager of the Cook Pottery Com- 
pany, of this city, and is one of the directors of the Trenton Trust and Safe 
Deposit Company. He is a man of rare business ability and sterling character. 

I am acquainted with the property of the Company at Middlebrook Heights, 
having examined same some time since for the purpose of inspection and valu- 
ation. 

I look upon it as a very valuable property, and as an investment, under 
present management, think very highly of it, indeed. 

Very truly yours, 

H. H. Hamill, President. 



a? 



JOHN H. SCUDDCR. President. NO. 381. A. H. WOOD, Cashier. 

W. H. BROKAW, Vice PRESIDENT. 

CAPITAL. S500.000. 

THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK, 

DESIGNATED DEPOSITORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 
TRENTON, N. J. 



Knickerbocker Mortgage Co., 

New York, N. Y. 
Gentlemen : 

Referring to your letter of November 7th, regarding property known as 
Middlebrook Heights, at Bound Brook, New Jersey, I know the location of this 
property very well, but have not made as much of an examination of same as I 
might have done, had I known I should be called upon to give expert opinion. 

This property is most beautifully situated on a graded slope adjoining the 
town of Bound Brook, just below the range of hills or mountains running through 
that section of country. In my opinion it's the most desirably located property, 
for residential purposes, I know of in that locality. From the present out- 
look of business, the future prospect for this property is exceeded by none any- 
where around New York, according to my present knowledge. 

Very truly yours, 

John H. Scudder. 



28 



Presbyterian iparsonaoe, 

3Boun£i :Krooft, "M. 5. 



Mr. W. J. Robinson. 
Dear Sir: 

I am intimately acquainted with the Middlebrook Heights property at 
Bound Brook. Our new church which has recently been erected, at a cost of 
$36,000, is located on the corner of one of the beautiful drives leading to the 
property. I know of no more beautiful, healthful location for home-seekers any- 
where, and the character of the men who are at the head of the enterprise is 
very high, both in this community and the state at large. Therefore I can 
conscientiously recommend this investment. 

Titus E. Davis. 



Rutgers College, 

New Brunswick, N. J. 



Mr. W. J. Robinson, 

87 Maiden Lane, New York. 
Dear Sir: 

Our commencement exercises have just closed, and, in fulfilment of promise, 
I visited the property at Middlebrook Heights, on Friday last. I must say that 
when you told me of the property I felt like discounting your statements, but 
"seeing is believing." That property is certainly the most beautiful I have 
ever seen, and, if the lot which I have selected is not sold, I want it at once. 

Sincerely yours, 

Edward Livingston Barbour. 
29 



Keyport Graded School^ 

Ke'u. JAMES T. SCHOCK, M. A., Principal, 

Keyport, N. J. 



Mr. W. J. Robinson. 
Dear Sir : 

I was for five years the acting and settled pastor of the Reformed Church 
at Bound Brook, and while there drove frequently over the property now known 
as Middlebrook Heights, and have always said to friends of mine that this prop- 
erty must necessarily some day become extremely valuable and desirable as a 
place of residence, on account of the splendid transportation facilities at Bound 
Brook, which I consider better than at any other point within the hour limit of 
New York ; and secondly, because of the natural beauties of the property itself 
and of its magnificent outlook, which is superior to that of any other place 
within my knowledge. In fact, it has been my oft-expressed wish one day to 
own a home on this same property, amid these surroundings. 

I have known Mr. George La Monte and his son for upward of ten years, 
and am confident that any business enterprise in which these men are interested 
must in the nature of things succeed, so great is my confidence in their ability 
and probity. 

I will take the lots you have selected for me, and shall expect the papers 
in a few days. Yours in good faith, 

James T. Schock. 



JO 



FRESBYTEB TAN MAJSTSE, 

Red BAifK, N. J. 



My Dear Mr. Robinson : 

I reached home in safety last evening feeling a little tired, but also feeling 
ready for a good rest after the pleasant outing which you so generously sup- 
plied. I fancy that if you had been within earshot you would not have hesitated 
to add my vote to the many others that you have received in endorsement of 
your enterprise. My representations, at least, were such as to lead Miss Piatt to 
request that I write you and inquire whether you had any other lots near the 
ones which I have bought. In case you have, she would like to consider an 
investment. If you find it convenient, take the train early some evening, and 
come down and spend the night with us. 

I desire to add my assurance of deep appreciation of your personal kindness. 

Sincerely yours, 

R. G. Davey. 



Stref (Keformeb C^urc^, 



Mr. W. J. Robinson, Knickerbocker Mortgage Co., 

New York. 
Dear Sir : 

I have just returned from a visit to New Jersey, and have seen my lots at 
Middlebrook Heights. 

I want to express my thanks for your good selection, and to say that in 

describing the property, I think you understated both its beauty and advantages. 

I prophesy that Middlebrook Heights, when your people have finished your 

present improvements, will be the most desirable residence park anywhere within 

the hour limit of New York City. 

Yours sincerely, 

W. H. Nasholds, Pastor. 
31 



(t^ Stref («efonnc6 C^urcg), 

©ffiang, (tt. TJ. 
€M»«r^ g). go?nBon, (Jjorfor 



My Dear Mr. Robinson : 

My trip to Bound Brook and Middlebrook Heights impressed me very favor- 
ably, and, as you had hinted to me, satisfied me that you had not in the least 
overdrawn the great attractions and superior value of the property you offer for 
sale there. You have not even done justice to the commercial value of that 
property, when it is carefully compared with other desirable property near New 
York and other large cities, which is equally within reach of small investors. 

Very truly yours, 

E. P. Johnson. 



PHESBYTERIAUST MAJSTSE, 

PnTT.T.rPSBXTRG, N. J. 



Knickerbocker Mortgage Co., 

New York City. 
Gentlemen : 

Through the courtesy of your Mr. W. J. Robinson, Mrs. Cline and myself 

have had the pleasure of seeing the property purchased by us some time since 

at Middlebrook Heights. It is but fair to say that the property is all we 

expected through Mr. Robinson's description. And, from the amount of money 

you are expending in improvements, one cannot doubt your faith in its final large 

increase in value, due not only to the beauty of the property, and its proximity 

to New York ; but to the push and energy of business men, who seem to know 

what they are doing. Sincerely yours, 

E. C. Cline. 



C. G. BO LAND, 

Insurance, 
Scranton, Pennsylvania, 

Mr. W. J. Robinson, 

New York City. 
Dear Sir : 

I visited the property of the Knickerbocker Mortgage Co., at Middlebrook 
Heights and was very much impressed with the beauty of location, its access- 
ibility to New York and the character of the men who have it in hand. The 
congested conditions in New York have made it necessary for the last few years 
for the better class of business men on the lower end of Manhattan Island to 
get out to the suburbs within easy distance of their business. The property at 
Middlebrook Heights offers to such a class, in my opinion, an unequaled oppor- 
tunity. There has been erected on the property a handsome Club House, and a 
magnificent artesian system, with stand pipe furnishing water to all parts of the 
property, has just been completed. I consider the property a particularly safe 
and profitable investment. Very truly yours, 

C. G. BOLAND. 



STUDY 
CENTRAL BAPTIST CHURCH, 

TRENTON, N. J. 

After having visited Middlebrook Heights at Bound Brook N. J., I feel 
prepared to recommend the property to any one seeking a safe and profitable 
investment. The situation is unsurpassed for natural beauty, while its proximity 
to New York enhances its commercial possibilities. Its natural advantages are 
immensely improved by drainage, macadam roadways, and water facilities. Thus 
nature and man have combined their efforts in making this property a location 
for homes without doubt second to none within easy reach of New York City. 
The constant tendency of our great civic centers to push out into rural dis- 
tricts must inevitably foster a steady and substantial rise in the values of the 
lots now on the market. 

Knowing some of the business men financially interested in the property I 
have no hesitancy in recommending them to the confidence of any prospective 
purchaser. Alfred W. Wishart. 

33 



GENERAL AGENCY 
NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL LIFE INS. CO. 

TRENTON, N. J. 



Mr. W. J. Robinson, Knickerbocker Mortgage Company, 

No. 87 Maiden Lane, New York City. 
My Dear Sir : 

Your proposition to invest in lots on Middlebrook Heights has received my 
careful attention and I have given much thought and thorough investigation to 
determine the merits of your suggestions. Yesterday I visited the properties in 
question, in company with gentlemen from the Lawrenceville School and from 
this city. 

Your enthusiastic descriptions of the advantages offered by that site for 
investors and home builders are more than borne out and justified by what I saw 
yesterday. Professional men rarely have equal opportunities offered them for 
secure and profitable investment of their savings. No one ever approached me 
with as good a proposition in the seven years of my connection with the Law- 
renceville School as Master of the Department of Modern Languages and of the 
Griswold House. 

Judge Lanning, of Trenton, a trustee of the Lawrenceville School, said to 
me the other day, in answer to my question, "Do you consider the property on 
Middlebrook Heights a good investment?" "I do, indeed. I think it is bound 
to become very, very valuable." Since my visit to the property yesterday, I 
most heartily concur in the opinion expressed by Judge Lanning. Even your 
descriptive powers fall short, and that spot must be selected by many for delight- 
ful homes. It has suffered from under-description in all you have said in its 
favor. Very truly yours, 

Mills Whittlesey. 
You should let me know soon what 

lots you have selected for my 

investment there. 

M. W. 



34 



DICKINSON HOUSE, 
LAWRENCEVILLE SCHOOL, 

LAWRENCE VILLE, N. J. 



Mr. W. J. Robinson : 

Dear Sir : I was very much pleased with the location of the Middlebrook 
Heights property; with its nearness to the town and the railroad station on the 
one side, and to the beautiful hills on the other, it presents exceptional attrac- 
tions for suburban homes. The great natural advantages of the situation and 
the good business management of the Company having the property in charge, 
must soon make it a most delightful neighborhood. 

Please send final papers on the lot purchased at your earliest convenience. 

Yours very truly, 

Charles H. Willcox. 



PKESBTTERIAN PARSOJSTAGE, 

SECOOTJ PBESBYTEEIAJr GhUBCH, 

TRENTON, N. J. 



Mr. Wm. J. Robinson : 

Dear Sir: In reply to your request asking what my opinion is of the 
Middlebrook Heights property, I will say that I have had the handling of 
investments, in connection with my grandfather's estate, for the past ten years, 
an estate consisting of securities amounting to some $200,000, and I have not 
as yet met with any investment that appears as safe and profitable as these lots 
near Bound Brook. 

Knowing the reputation of those who are at the head of the Knickerbocker 
Mortgage Company, and being personally acquainted with some who have 
invested in these lots, I am glad to have the privilege to invest here myself, and 
take pleasure in recommending the same to my friends. 

Very truly yours, 

Wm. S. Voorhies. 
35 



W. M. LANNINQ, 

COUNSELOB AT I.AW, 

6 W£ST SIAXB STBWICT, 

TKEirroM', IT. J. 



W. J. Robinson, Esq., 

87 Maiden Lane, New York City, N. Y. 
Dear Sir : 

I am acquainted with the location of the property of the Knickerbocker 
Mortgage Company, near Bound Brook, and have been attorney for that Com- 
pany in matters relating to its affairs. I regard the property as being the finest 
for residential purposes of any that I am acquainted with, and the water and 
other improvements made and to be made will, in my judgment, make it an 
exceedingly desirable location, especially for any of that class of people who, 
having business in the city, appreciate a country home. 

Very respectfully yours, W. M. Lanning. 



liAWRENCEVILLE SCHOOL, 

Mr. W. J. Robinson, 

87 Maiden Lane, N. Y. 
Mv Dear Mr. Robinson : 

I am very glad that you have gone to Princeton, for I know that the men 
there seldom have as clear and solid opportunity for secure investments as that 
which you are now bringing them. 

Your wide success in directing the investments of professional men else- 
where, should assure you great hope for a pleasant and profitable visit to the 
professors of Princeton. 

I have visited the property at Bound Brook, and heartily believe in the 
ultimate success of the enterprise. Supported, as your proposition is, by such 
successful and honorable men, and guaranteed by such unquestioned security, I 
fail to see how you can come short of highest expectations among the good 
people of Princeton. 

With best wishes for your perpetual prosperity, I am 

Yours very sincerely, 

Edw. R. Robbins. 
36 



JAMES ^^r, LANNINa. 

General Contractor, 

TRENTON, N. J. 



Contractor ano BurLDCR 

OF 
NEW JERSEY STATE CAPITOL, TRENTON, N. J. 
NEW JERSEY STATE ASYLUM, TRENTON, N. J. 
NEW JERSEY STATE ARMORY, NEWARK, N. J. 
ELECTRICAL BUILDING, PRINCETON UNIVERSITY. 



Knickerbocker Mortgage Co., 

New York City. 
Gentlemen : 

Please arrange as soon as possible for the transfer of the twenty-five lots 

purchased from you on Middlebrook Heights. 

My architect is now at work on the plans of the twenty-five houses to be 

erected, and I expect to be able to start operations within two weeks. 

Yours truly, 

James W. Lanning. 



37 



ARRANGED, PRINTED AND BOUND AT THE BRANDT PRESS, TRENTON, NEW JERSEY, 
MDCCCXCIX 



*^ / 



